Undergraduate baccalaureate nursing education is designed to prepare a nurse generalist who demonstrates responsibility, accountability and critical thinking.

Applications for the Fall 2023 Cohort Are Now Closed. Applications for the Fall 2024 Cohort Will Open on November 1, 2023!

Students interested in the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree must first apply to the University using the General UMKC application, and if accepted, will be admitted into the Bachelor of Health Sciences (BHS) degree, with a sub-plan of Pre-Nurse. Then, each November, the Supplemental Application for consideration of entry into the BSN clinical program will become available (please re-visit this page then for more details). Perspective students must submit the Supplemental Application, and all required materials by the following January, to be considered for the clinical program that begins in fall each year. If admitted, the degree plan will be updated from BHS Pre-Nurse to BSN.

The nurse generalist uses a comprehensive approach to health care and can meet diversified health concerns of individuals, families and communities at all stages of development. The UMKC School of Nursing and Health Studies offers an innovative program in the management of health.

Click here to view our BSN Mission, Student Learning Outcomes and Competencies

There are three options available to complete a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree:

  • Pre-Licensure (4-5 Year traditional program in nursing for students who want to obtain a BSN and do not possess a previous bachelor’s degree or RN license)
  • Accelerated (2nd degree option for students who possess a bachelor’s degree in another discipline, do not possess an RN license and want to obtain a BSN)
  • RN-BSN (BSN Completion Program for students who are currently licensed registered nurses (RNs), possess an associate’s degree or diploma in nursing and want to obtain a BSN). Enrollment may be full or part-time.

Nursing Direct Admit Program

The UMKC School of Nursing and Health Studies (SONHS) offers the Direct Admit Program for outstanding high school students who intend to enter UMKC as freshmen. Eligible students are offered direct admission into the Pre- Licensure Bachelor of Science in Nursing (B.S.N.) Program as freshmen, in accordance with the clinical major.

 Benefits:

  • Early assurance of admission to the clinical program, if criteria are met and maintained (see below Direct Admit Progression to Clinical Major Criteria)
  • Clinical supplemental application waived
  • Opportunity for early interaction with current clinical students through involvement in the Student Nurses’ Association (SNA)
  • Opportunity to assist with SoNHS Nursing events (i.e. White Coat Ceremony, Pinning, Commencement, etc.)

Anyone who does not meet Direct Admit eligibility requirements during their senior year of high school may still apply to the Pre-Licensure BSN Program during their first or second year of college using the clinical supplemental application, depending on how long it takes to complete prerequisites

 Eligibility Requirements:

  • Accepted to UMKC as a first-time college student, or freshman
  • Composite ACT score of 27 or higher

How to Apply

Students should first apply generally to UMKC under Health Sciences with the Sub Plan “Plan to be Rn” and send their official ACT Score Report to the UMKC Admissions Office. Once a student is accepted and meets the eligibility requirements, the student will be able to apply to the Direct Admit program through the Direct Admit form on their UMKC Application status page. If a student believes that they meet eligibility requirements but do NOT see the Direct Admit form on their UMKC Application status page, they can contact Admissions at admissions@umkc.edu or 816-235-8652.

Deadline

We follow the UMKC Admissions application deadline (June 15 for fall term)

Expectations
Direct Admit students will progress to the clinical program as long as academic progression requirements are met, as listed below:

  • Maintain cumulative GPA and individual semester GPA of 2.75 or higher
  • Maintain Nursing Prerequisite GPA of 2.75 or higher (cumulative of first five prerequisite courses listed below)
  •  Complete all Pre-Licensure BSN prerequisite courses with a grade of “B-” or better on first attempt:
    • Chemistry w/lab (CHEM 115/CHEM 115L @UMKC)
    • Anatomy & Physiology w/lab (NURSE 120/NURSE 160 @UMKC)
    • Microbiology, no lab required (BIO 112 @UMKC)
    • College Algebra (MATH 110 @UMKC)
    • NURSE 101 Introduction to Nursing (must be taken @UMKC)
    • HLSC 101 Introduction to Health Sciences
  • Please note: If the cumulative or semester GPA falls below the 2.75 GPA, the Direct Admit status will be revoked, and the student will need to apply using the supplemental application process to be considered for a spot.
  • Please note: If the individual pre-requisite course grade is below a B- on the first attempt, the Direct Admit status will be revoked, and the student will need to apply using the supplemental application process to be considered for a spot.

BSN Options